Inductive Rail Heating Head for Moving-Point Train Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating methods for railroad switches, such as cal-rod units, require high voltage and length, leading to high costs and safety concerns, while failing to efficiently address snow and ice accumulation between moving-point and fixed train track rails.

Innovation Solution

A heating head utilizing a single magnetic induction coil, coated with high-temperature magnetic wire enamel, generates a wide eddy current field to heat both rails simultaneously with minimal power, reducing costs and safety risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If cal-rod units are used to heat the train track rail, then the rail can be heated to remove snow or ice, but the current consumption is substantial and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the resistive heating mechanism (cal-rod units) with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive rail, producing heat through electromagnetic induction rather than direct electrical resistance heating. This substitution reduces current consumption while achieving the same heating effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from resistive heating to induction heating, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of heat generation. By using electromagnetic induction, the system achieves higher heating efficiency with lower current consumption, as the eddy currents generated in the rail produce heat more efficiently than direct resistive heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If cal-rod units are used to heat the train track rail, then the rail can be heated to remove snow or ice, but the voltage required is high which creates safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidsafety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-voltage resistive heating with low-voltage electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil operates at lower voltage while generating high-frequency alternating magnetic fields that induce eddy currents in the rail. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with high-voltage electrification while maintaining effective heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If cal-rod units are used to heat the train track rail, then the rail can be heated to remove snow or ice, but the length of the heating device is substantial

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidheating device length

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating function into discrete induction coil assemblies that can be positioned at specific locations along the rail. Rather than using a continuous long cal-rod unit, the heating function is segmented into multiple compact coil units that can be strategically placed to heat critical areas where snow and ice accumulation occurs, reducing the overall length and complexity of the heating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively melts snow and ice with reduced energy consumption and enhanced safety, achieving temperatures up to 300-Fahrenheit while minimizing the length and power requirements compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The induction coil (1) is used to create the eddy current field that will generate heat within a moving-point train track rail (12) and a fixed train track rail (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

The induction coil (1) is used to create the eddy current field that will generate heat within a moving-point train track rail (12) and a fixed train track rail (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The induction coil (1) is coated in a high-temperature magnetic wire enamel to provide electrical insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10829896B2Inductive rail heating head for a moving-point train track rail and a fixed train track rail

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 HOT SWITCH HEATING SYST LLC

AI summary

A heating device for removing snow or ice that accumulates in between a moving-point train track rail and a fixed train track rail consists of an induction coil, a holding case, and a mounting tray. The induction coil is positioned within the holding case which is then positioned on the mounting tray. For optimal performance, the mounting tray is positioned adjacent a planar bottom surface of both the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail. The eddy current field of the induction coil excites the atoms within the steel which then results in elevated temperatures. The heat radiated from the fixed train track rail and the moving-point train track rail removes any accumulated snow or ice.